No further public hearings may be required
By Jeff Simms
Following a lengthy public hearing on Nov. 7, the Beacon City Council will continue its review of a proposed firearm storage law.
The proposed law would require firearms to be securely locked in an appropriate “safe-storage depository” when the owner is not nearby to decrease “the likelihood of death or injury from accidents or impulsive acts.”
Guns rights advocates, many of them veterans or former law enforcement officers, filled the City Council meeting room to protest the proposal, saying it is unenforceable and could put homeowners in danger if they need to defend themselves.
Although outnumbered by about 2 to 1, a number of residents also spoke in favor of the law, calling it a common-sense measure. The hearing attracted residents from nearby locales such as Wappingers Falls and Cold Spring as well.
A similar proposal was approved by the New York State Assembly last year but failed in the Senate. The Philipstown Town Board is also considering a safe-storage law.
The proposed Beacon law will be discussed further by the council at an upcoming workshop, which is open to the public but does not include public comment. It will not require another hearing unless its wording is changed significantly.
